Name: Dutch Oven or Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 3 lb beef chuck, cubed; 1 onion, chopped; 3 carrots, sliced; 1 bottle Guinness stout (12 oz); 2 cups beef broth; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp flour; 1 tsp dried thyme; Salt and black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 30 reviews

If you’re craving something deeply comforting, packed with rich flavors and a touch of Irish charm, the Dutch Oven or Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe is exactly what you need. This hearty stew brings together tender chunks of beef, slow-simmered in the robust bitterness of Guinness stout along with fresh vegetables, creating a dish that’s perfect for cozying up on chilly evenings. Each bite is a celebration of warmth, depth, and homestyle goodness that feels just like a big, welcoming hug from the inside out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Four images show steps of cooking in a large white pot with red handles, placed on a wooden surface with a beige cloth beside it. The first image shows small cubes of cooked bacon with a wooden spoon resting in the pot. The second image shows browned beef pieces cooking in the pot with some oil and brown bits on the surface. The third image has chopped celery and onions added on top of the browned bits, with the wooden spoon stirring them. The final image shows the cooked celery and onions with three added ingredients on top: a white powder, red paste, and minced yellow garlic, with the spoon resting nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful combination of ingredients that build layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each component is essential to create that luscious stew base and satisfy your taste buds fully.

3 lb beef chuck, cubed: Choose well-marbled beef for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness after slow cooking.
2 tbsp olive oil: Helps brown the beef perfectly, adding depth to the stew’s flavor.
1 onion, chopped: Provides a natural sweetness and a savory foundation.
3 carrots, sliced: Adds a subtle earthiness and vibrant color to the dish.
2 tbsp flour: Used to thicken the stew and create a silky texture.
1 bottle Guinness stout: The star ingredient—imparts a rich, malty bitterness unique to this recipe.
2 cups beef broth: Enhances the meaty flavor and keeps the stew juicy and hearty.
1 tsp dried thyme: Offers an herbaceous note that complements the beef perfectly.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.

How to Make Dutch Oven or Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in your Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. This step seals in the beef’s juices and develops that rich, caramelized flavor that will build the stew’s foundation. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion and sliced carrots. Sauté them for 5–7 minutes until they soften and become fragrant, soaking up those lovely browned bits left behind from the beef. This elevates the flavor profile and adds a natural sweetness to balance the bold Guinness taste.

Step 3: Add Flour and Cook

Sprinkle the flour over your softened veggies and stir well to coat everything evenly. Continue cooking for 1 minute to get rid of the raw flour taste—this also starts to thicken the stew gradually once the liquids are added.

Step 4: Pour in the Guinness and Broth

Now comes the magic: pour in the entire bottle of Guinness stout and the beef broth. Stir everything thoroughly, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This mixture will form the rich, dark base that makes this stew irresistibly flavorful.

Step 5: Season and Return Beef

Add in the dried thyme, and season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Return the browned beef chunks to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the liquid. This reunion is where all the flavors start melding beautifully together.

Step 6: Simmer Low and Slow

Cover the Dutch oven and reduce the heat to low. Let the stew simmer gently for 2½ to 3 hours until the beef is fall-apart tender. Alternatively, if using a slow cooker, set it on low and cook for 7 to 8 hours. The slow cooking process is key—it allows the flavors to deepen and the meat to soften to perfection.

How to Serve Dutch Oven or Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe

Dutch Oven or Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of thyme leaves add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the rich stew. For an extra touch of indulgence, a dollop of creamy horseradish sauce or sour cream can complement the robust flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This stew shines when paired with hearty sides such as crusty artisan bread to soak up all the luscious gravy or creamy mashed potatoes that provide a velvety base for the stew to rest on. Roasted root vegetables are also lovely for added texture and sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For an inviting presentation, serve the stew in rustic bowls or French onion soup crocks. Adding a slice of toasted garlic bread on the side or a sprinkle of grated sharp cheddar on top can elevate the dish into a memorable meal, perfect for sharing with family or friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This stew tastes even better the next day because the flavors have more time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and simply reheat when ready to enjoy again.

Freezing

If you want to keep this comforting dish longer, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags for up to 3 months. Just remember to cool the stew completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the stew gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first. Avoid high heat to prevent toughening the beef or breaking down the sauce too much.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of beer instead of Guinness?

While Guinness stout gives this stew its signature bold and malty flavor, you can substitute with other dark beers like a porter or brown ale. Just keep in mind that lighter beers will alter the depth and richness of the stew.

Is there a way to make this stew gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening. Just mix the thickener with cold water before adding it to avoid lumps.

Can I prepare this stew in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot by using the sauté function for browning and then pressure cooking on high for about 35 minutes. Make sure to allow natural pressure release for optimal tenderness.

What cut of beef is best for this stew?

Beef chuck is ideal because of its marbling and toughness, which breaks down beautifully after slow cooking, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.

Does the stew get thicker as it cools?

Yes, the stew naturally thickens as it cools because the flour and gelatin from the beef collagen set up. You can thin it out with a bit of water or broth when reheating if needed.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Dutch Oven or Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe enough for anyone looking to cozy up with a meal that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious. It’s a beautiful blend of rich flavors, tender beef, and satisfying textures that will make your kitchen smell like a countryside pub. Grab your Dutch oven or slow cooker, and get ready for a comforting feast that you’ll want to make again and again.